The Springboks have enjoyed many marksman kickers; however, accuracy has been a problem in recent years.
Who could forget Manie Libbok’s tumultuous time in front of the sticks at last year’s World Cup – a nation had lost faith until Handré Pollard replaced injured hooker, Malcolm Marx.
This was arguably Rassie Erasmus’ defining moment in leading the Boks to back-to-back champions.
Few moments were more monumental than Pollard’s go-ahead 50-metre kick in the semi-final.
The scoreline read 15-13 to England until he rifled a penalty through the middle of the poles.
Three minutes later, the Springboks had advanced to the World Cup final.
Springboks kicking percentages over the years
Historically, Springboks and kicking have gone hand in hand, with Mornè Steyn and Frans Steyn stepping up when needed.
However, in recent times—when Handré Pollard isn’t on the pitch—fans have been left biting their nails, unsure of what is about to unfold.
Penalty kicks used to be a guaranteed three points, now they’re a roller coaster of emotions.
Since 2018, the Boks have had nine players put boot to ball.
Frans Steyn boasts a 100% accuracy in seven tests while Pollard is 79% from 45 games, putting him in elite company.
Scrum-half Faf de Klerk has the lowest percentage, 56%, in seven tests, followed by Jaden Henrdikse, 57%, in two tests, and Libbok, 58%, in thirteen tests.
South Africa’s rising star, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, is the most recent player to be promoted to kicking duty. He has a healthy 79% accuracy in six games.
The Boks November tour
The green and gold will line up against Scotland in under a month, initiating the first of three games in their November tour of the UK.
In a conversation with Springbok media, Erasmus stated his intentions for their upcoming tests, saying, “As a team we want to measure ourselves against the top sides in the world consistently, and facing Scotland, Wales, and England on the year-end tour, two of which we faced in the World Cup, will be fantastic for the team and the players.
“Wales may have had a disappointing Six Nations campaign, while Scotland won two of their five matches and England three, but they are always a force to be reckoned with at home, so we know we have to be at the top of our game when we line up against them.
“We have a challenging season ahead, which features home Test series against Ireland in the Castle Lager Incoming Series and New Zealand in the Castle Lager Rugby Championship, as well a Test against Portugal, two matches against Australia and Argentina, respectively.
“To face Scotland, England and Wales at the end of the year will certainly spice things up for the team, so we are really looking forward to the season.”
Who do you think is Springboks best current kicker?
Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this article or by emailing info@thesouthafrican.com or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. You can also follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news.
